EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF MODERN-DAY EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS ON FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE: A CASE STUDY OF COMMUNITIES AROUND LIKANGALA WATERSHED, MWAMBO VILLAGE T/A MWAMBO, ZOMBA.

The research examined the impact of modern-day early warning systems on the efficacy of flood emergency responses. Utilizing a mixed methods approach within a case study design, the study explored how early warning system contribute to the preparedness and agility of emergency response teams in flood-prone areas. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 30 respondents, encompassing those involved in disaster management and affected community members. The findings suggest that modern-day early warning system significantly enhance the timeliness and effectiveness of responses to flood emergencies, thereby reducing potential loss and damage

The research examined the impact of modern-day early warning systems on the efficacy of flood emergency responses. Utilizing a mixed methods approach within a case study design, the study explored how early warning system contribute to the preparedness and agility of emergency response teams in flood-prone areas. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 30 respondents, encompassing those involved in disaster management and affected community members. The findings suggest that modern-day early warning system significantly enhance the timeliness and effectiveness of responses to flood emergencies, thereby reducing potential loss and damage modern-day, early warning system.

The study was conducted in the southern region of Malawi: communities around Likangala Watershed in Ronald and Mteche Villages, T/A Mwambo in Zomba which is located 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Blantyre. Likangala River originates at Zomba Mountain in southern Malawi and flows through both urban and rural areas before it flows into Lake Chilwa, a wetland of international significance. The river has a length of 50 km and flows along varying topography between elevations of 1265 m and 790 m above sea level. Its catchment covers 756 km is located between latitude 15°22′–15°30′S and longitude 35°15′–35°37′E. This area was selected for the study because geographically it is located in the low lying areas and the major river Shire River runs through these districts. According to the Malawi disaster profile on floods (GFDR, 2019) (GoM, 2019) was based the intensity and frequency of occurrence of floods in those districts.

Traditional authority: TA Mwambo

District: Zomba

Coordinates: -15.4653, 35.5092